Gerry Lennon passed away at Orchard Lodge Care Home in Armagh “surrounded in the love of his family” on Friday, December 12.
The Lurgan native announced days ago that he would return to Northern Ireland to pay respects to his father at St Paul’s Church, Lurgan. The Requiem Mass was held today.
His father’s death comes less than 18 months after the Celtic legend mourned the loss of his mother, Ursula, who passed away last August.
Following his mother’s passing, the Celtic legend left his role as manager of Rapid Bucharest to return to Co Armagh to be with his family.
The funeral of Gerry Lennon father of former Celtic player and manager Neil Lennon took place on Monday. Gerry Lennon died peacefully on Friday. His funeral took place at St Paul’s Church, Lurgan (Credit: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press)
His father, Gerry, grew up on a farm, worked in Lurgan’s linen factories, and raised four children. He was forced to retire at just 38 due to a debilitating illness.
Throughout Neil Lennon’s early football journey — and later, during periods when he faced threats and bomb scares — his father remained a steady source of reassurance and support.
In an emotional tribute, Lennon thanked his late father for “a life well-lived and loved”.
“He was a human radiator, everyone felt warm in his company, he was generous with his time and hospitality, not with his money,” said the footballer.
“He has three beautiful daughters and me. We all had a good education, well, the girls anyway. Me and dad got on great. He was a mentor, disciplinarian, best friend and always a phone call away.
“We kicked every ball. Watched every game; he loved his sport, chess and GAA. He loved being part of a group, he loved weekends away, he loved each and every one of his grandkids.
“He had a schedule, whiskey time was 4pm, job done.”
He also recalled sharing the good news with his father when he joined Celtic in December 2000, following his spell at Leicester City under manager Martin O’Neill.
“When I called to tell him that I got the Celtic job, it was followed by a ‘lovely jubbly’,” he said.
“…we will miss you, thank you”.
Lennon added: “He succumbed to Alzheimer’s, at the home, they treated him with respect and dignity.
“I just wanted to finish with: thanks dad, for a life well-lived and loved, we will miss you, thank you.”
Neil Lennon at his father, Gerry’s funeral (Credit: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press)
Following readings from Ecclesiastes, Romans and St John’s gospel, parish priest Fr Colum Murphy, shared his condolences to the family.
“At a time like this, when someone that we love dies, we can be lost for words. No words can convey the sense of grief which you may be feeling. We can always turn to Christ,” said Fr Murphy.
“Gerry was born in 1942. He was clever in school and a skilled artist. He left school at 14. He would later become a lorry driver. He then went back to Lurgan where he met his beloved, Ursula, at the dances at the age of 24.
“He was always pleasant and cheery right to the end”.
“They had four children. He lived for his family. He had a special relationship with Neil as he lived and breathed his career.
“He was always pleasant and cheery, right to the end. He was always joking with nurses.
“He and Ursula adored each other and did everything together. Due to dementia, he was spared the pain of her passing, they are now together again for all eternity.
“The hope of eternal life is not vague. Ultimately, we will be with Christ, [heaven] is a place Christ himself prepared for all of us.
“Say a prayer for him, ask him to be with you and pray for you to the God he is now with. I want to express my condolences to the family, as well to his many friends and those who knew him.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in peace. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace,” he finished with a prayer.
Neil Lennon’s parents Gerald and Ulsula pictured in their Lurgan home going through the scrap books that have collected on Neil’s career so far, in 2000 (Credit: Steve Wilson/Pacemaker)
Lennon is currently the manager of Dunfermline Athletic FC, a role he has held since March, and has recently signed a two-year contract extension.
Assistant manager of the club, Iain Brunskill, took charge of the match between Queen’s Park on Saturday, while Lennon travelled to Northern Ireland.
News Catch Up – Monday 15 December
The club expressed their sympathies to the manager and his family on social media.
“Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gerry Lennon, father of our manager Neil Lennon,” said a spokesperson.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Neil and his family at this difficult time.”
Neil Lennon was named captain of Celtic in 2005. In 2007, he left for Nottingham Forest, and later played for Wycombe Wanderers in 2008.
In March 2010, he was appointed manager of Celtic after Tony Mowbray. During his tenure, Celtic secured three Scottish league championships and two Scottish cups.
